King Catfish,
I would say that your review of the Gran Hanano and Montecristo are right on. I don't have the discriminating palate that you have and I can't detect all the distinct flavors. I wish I could but I'm afraid that some of my taste buds are either lame or missing altogether.
However, generally speaking I know a good cigar when I smoke one. I have to say that the finish is most important for me with any cigar.
A perfectly good tasting, even burning cigar that has a bitter or harsh finish is IMO a bad cigar. I know that some people smoke a cigar just down to the band and toss it. But when I smoke a really good tasting cigar to the band I just can't stop there. I peel the band and continue to enjoy it, sometimes until my fingers are getting hot. Now that's what I'm talking about, a good finish that I truly enjoyed and a taste that I will remember. After all, the finish will determine the aftertaste.
Let me know if you try another one of the Gurhka "rejects". I held a few back for the goats but if you find a way to smoke them, I'll give them another try.